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[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers offseason mailbag: The great Ace Bailey debate and more trade ideas

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

One month before the 2025 NBA draft, we answer your questions on trade possibilities with Quentin Grimes and the No. 3 overall pick.

If Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals is any indication, the Sixers have their work cut out for them this offseason. The star-studded New York Knicks looked like they were going to defend their home court, but Tyrese Haliburton and the never-say-die Indiana Pacers had other ideas. One unprecedented comeback later, the Pacers are now three games away from their first NBA Finals berth since Reggie Miller’s heyday.

The breakneck Pacers would have run this year’s Sixers off the floor, which explains why team president Daryl Morey is aiming to bring in more youth and athleticism this offseason. Landing the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft could be a huge boon in that regard. But will the Sixers be the ones making that pick?

On Wednesday, we asked you to send in your offseason questions about the draft, free agency or trade options. As usual, you did not disappoint.

Let’s jump right into the debate that will plague Sixers fans for the next month.

bebopdeluxe
Two related questions: why is it that some analysts believe that VJ Edgecomb will improve his outside shooting (one of the biggest holes in his game), while Ace Bailey (who is still 18 and a full year younger than Edgecomb) cannot improve aspects of his game that are concerning (i.e. defensive intensity/focus and decision-making); and 2) given that most analysts seem to believe that, after Harper and Flagg, all of the guys in the next tier are not "can't miss" guys, why would we draft a guy like Edgecomb (or Johnson) when we already have three backcourt guys under team control (Maxey, McCain, Grimes), as opposed to simply picking a guy like Bailey, whose shotmaking and defensive upside would seem like a seamless fit? Doesn't that force Morey to get three decisions right - drafting the right guy, trading the right guard, and trading for the right front-court piece?
I understand the value of dealing with all of that if Harper is available at 3 (unlikely), but is Edgecomb (or Johnson) that much better a prospect than Bailey to have to deal with the glut-in-the-backcourt issues that we would face if we pick a guard?

I can’t speak for other analysts, but I love this question because it highlights what makes the draft such an inexact science.

To some extent, it’s easier to project improvement for a specific skill like shooting than it is an intangible such as decision-making. However, you raise a fair point about Bailey’s red flags not necessarily being deal-breakers if the Sixers believe that they can coax growth out of him in those areas. Bailey told reporters at the combine that he’s modeled his game after Paul George (along with Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum). Would the opportunity to work with one of his basketball idols help him fix his weaknesses?

There’s a reason why Bailey was the No. 2 overall prospect in his recruiting class (one spot ahead of Dylan Harper). I’d be lying if I said that I’ve grinded enough of his high school tape to have an informed take about how his game has evolved, but did he show these same tendencies in high school? Or did the situation around him at Rutgers (aside from Harper) draw out some of those bad habits? Would he be better when surrounded by more talent, like he would be on the Sixers?

I don’t have strong takes about who should be the top prospect on the Sixers’ board or how much a gap there is between Bailey, Edgecombe, etc. (That’s what Harrison and Paul are for at LB!) But regarding the other part of your question… even before he knew which pick they’d wind up getting, Morey said that the Sixers would “definitely” take the “best player available” and wouldn’t take fit into account.

With that said, I hear your concern. Taking Edgecombe or Tre Johnson at No. 3 all but guarantees that the Sixers will have to trade either him or one of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain or Quentin Grimes at some point. Luckily, they might have a three-year runway before they need to make that decision. Maxey is under contract for four more years, McCain still has three years left on his rookie deal, and Grimes figures to sign a multi-year contract this summer as well.

In the meantime, the Sixers would likely run plenty of three-guard lineups, although Grimes and Edgecombe have the size to guard up positionally. They’d have a decently long runway to experiment with different combinations and see which players worked best together over the long haul. If they determine that Maxey and McCain are incompatible on defense, for instance, that would help guide the decision of which one to eventually trade.

Bailey is definitely the cleanest fit positionally. But if the Sixers believe Edgecombe or Johnson have a higher ceiling, Morey seems adamant that he’s going to prioritize talent and figure out the rest later.

datruth4life3.0
Bryan, what would you be willing to move if you're Morey to trade up one spot to select Dylan Harper? I would definitely consider moving that 2028 Clippers first rounder or McCain. I don't think this team is gonna be in a position in the near future to add a talent like Harper with the core talent the team already has on this roster.

I’m not sure that I see a deal here that makes sense for either side, if I’m being honest. It seems like Harper is on a tier of his own in this year’s draft, so I’d imagine the Spurs would want significant compensation to move down even one slot.

Would they demand McCain? With Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox already in the fold, maybe not. (Particularly if they intended to take Edgecombe or Johnson at No. 3.) If McCain and No. 3 was all it cost, though, I’d at least consider it, particularly if the Sixers planned to match any offer sheet that Grimes might sign in restricted free agency.

With that said, I’d guess the Sixers would have to include the Clippers’ fully unprotected 2028 first-round pick to get the Spurs to consider moving down. Personally, I’d be reticent to part ways with that pick unless it’s for a surefire home run. The longer that the Clippers continue to build around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the higher the likelihood that they begin crashing out right as that pick becomes due.

It seems like the Spurs plan on standing pat at No. 2 unless they’re able to flip it as part of a package for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, which is a wise course of action for them. If the Sixers are trading that pick, I’m guessing a slight trade down is far more likely than a trade up.

Can Grimes be used in a sign and trade scenario involving the 3rd pick? If so, what level of asset would he be considered?

— Kail (@vivotranquil0.bsky.social) 2025-05-21T17:12:37.853Z

This is a great question, because it’s more complicated than it might appear on the surface.

There are two big obstacles to including Grimes in a sign-and-trade involving the No. 3 pick. The first is the timing. The first round of this year’s draft is on June 25, but other teams can’t legally negotiate with free agents until June 30. (And as we all know, no team would dare tamper in Adam Silver’s NBA.)

The Sixers are allowed to begin negotiating with Grimes one day after the NBA Finals end, so they can find out how much he’s looking to earn on his next contract before the draft begins. They could then theoretically relay that information to another team that might be interested in acquiring him via sign-and-trade—or, better yet, have a third party relay that information—but they couldn’t finalize a deal with another team prior to the draft.

The Sixers and the other team could make their respective picks and then flip them later as part of a Grimes sign-and-trade, but that would be risky for both sides. What happens if the deal falls apart for some reason? They wouldn’t get a redo on their draft picks.

The other big obstacle is base year compensation. If a free agent has Bird or Early Bird rights, is signing a new contract that’s higher than a minimum deal, is earning a raise greater than 20 percent and his team is above the cap after the signing, his outgoing salary in a sign-and-trade for salary-matching purposes is either his previous salary or only 50 percent of his new salary, whichever is greater. In other words, if the Sixers signed Grimes to a contract starting at $20 million as part of a sign-and-trade, he’d count as $10 million of outgoing salary for them but would count as $20 million as incoming salary for whichever team was acquiring him.

However, there is one small saving grace regarding the BYC issues. The new collective bargaining agreement expanded the salary-matching rules for teams below either apron. Those teams are allowed to take back roughly $8.5 million more in salary than they send out, although doing so would hard-cap them at the first apron. I’m guessing the Sixers would like to avoid hard-capping themselves at the first apron, as that might cost them a shot at re-signing Guerschon Yabusele.

With all of that said, one team jumps out as a logical Grimes sign-and-trade destination if the No. 3 pick is involved: the New Orleans Pelicans.

Dejounte Murray figures to miss a decent chunk of next season as he recovers from the torn Achilles that he suffered in late January, so the Pelicans may be on the hunt for another ball-handler this offseason. Grimes acquitted himself well in that role late in the year for the Sixers amidst their tidal wave of injuries. And the Pelicans have two players in particular who should intrigue the Sixers as part of a trade down: Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.

If the Pelicans would be willing to trade the No. 7 overall pick and Murphy for No. 3 and Grimes, I’d jump through whatever hoops were necessary to make that sign-and-trade look legal. No. 7 and Jones for No. 3 and Grimes might be a tougher sell, but that could still be worth considering. The Sixers still might be able to land Kon Knueppel or Khaman Maluach at No. 7, so they’d basically be trading Grimes and one of Edgecombe or Bailey for Herb and one of the mid-lottery prospects. They could then trot out a starting five of Maxey, McCain, Jones, George and Embiid with Kelly Oubre Jr., Justin Edwards, Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, Adem Bona and the No. 7 pick off the bench (assuming that Oubre, Gordon and Drummond all opt in as expected).

Having a lockdown wing defender like Jones could help the Sixers cover up any defensive issues that arise from starting Maxey and McCain together. Murphy would be the ideal target given his shooting ability, but either would at least be worth considering.

That’s a wrap on this week’s mailbag! I’ll be on vacation starting Saturday, so you’re getting a brief reprieve next week. But I’ll be back in June with more mailbags and analysis about the different financial variables that could affect how the Sixers approach this offseason.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...mbe-tre-johnson-2025-nba-draft-quentin-grimes

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

V.J. Edgecombe offers immediate impact, long-term upside at No. 3

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

What should the Sixers do with the third pick? Simple: draft V.J. Edgecombe.

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe.

No player available at No. 3 may be more compelling than Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe. He combines day-one impact with some of the highest long-term upside in the 2025 class. Should the Sixers use their top asset on another guard? The answer feels pretty clear — let’s break it down.

Profile​

2024-25 Stats: 33 games, 32.7 minutes, 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, 43.6% FG, 34.0% 3P, 78.2% FT

Team: Baylor

Year: Freshman

Position: G

Height & Weight: 6’4.0” (without shoes) | 193.2 lbs

Born: July 30, 2005 (19 years old)

Hometown: Bimini, The Bahamas

Strengths ​

From a purely physical standpoint, there’s a lot to like about Edgecombe. He’s arguably the draft’s best pure athlete, boasting an NBA-ready frame to match. His lateral quickness, vertical ability, and lightning-fast first step make him a nightmare defensively. Standing at 6-foot-4 without shoes, with a 6’7.5” wingspan and an 8’5.5” standing reach, Edgecombe has excellent size for a guard. He could even have the potential to defend some forwards at the next level.

VJ Edgecombe cracks 40 inches on his max vertical leap at the NBA draft combine. pic.twitter.com/kXJnkU7KjM

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025​

Offensively, Edgecombe shows a solid touch around the rim and isn’t afraid to embrace contact. He’s had several college games where he attempted over 10 free throws, converting at a respectable 78% on the season. When it comes to shooting, Edgecombe has developed into a reliable spot-up shooter. While he’s not strictly an on-ball talent, he moves well off the ball. Despite his scoring ability, he’s not selfish and displays strong court vision as a two-way guard or wing. In the short term, he may not project as a full-time playmaker, but he has the potential to be a secondary ball handler or backup playmaker.

Philly fans would fall in love with Edgecombe if he ends up being the pick here. He brings a relentless motor on both ends of the floor and has the kind of grit that can’t be taught. Defensively, he’s one of the best perimeter stoppers in this draft class — one of just two freshmen to average two or more steals per game this season. His defensive IQ is advanced for his age; he rarely gambles, times his steals well, and shows strong discipline in help situations. Impressively, he also recorded 20 blocks in 33 games, a rare feat for a guard, showcasing his ability to contest shots at the rim.

Weaknesses​

Most of the concerns surrounding Edgecombe center around the refinement of his overall game. Right now, he leans heavily on his frame and elite athleticism rather than on polished technique or finesse. As he matures, he’ll need to improve in these areas to age more gracefully and elevate his game to the next level.

Edgecombe has shown flashes of being able to put the ball on the floor and make plays, but he isn’t yet a consistent self-creator or someone who can reliably break down defenders in isolation. He finishes above the rim with ease, but he sometimes launches from too far out and lacks the body control to adjust midair — often leading to forced or awkward attempts. While his explosiveness can occasionally bail him out, refining his footwork and tightening his handle will be critical to becoming a more dependable scoring threat off the dribble.

As a shooter, Edgecombe’s effectiveness varies between catch-and-shoot situations and off-the-dribble attempts. His form tends to break down on the move, often appearing rushed or off-balance. That said, he does have solid mechanics when spotting up, which provides a strong foundation to build on. With focused development, particularly on rhythm and repetition, there’s reason to believe he can grow into a reliable shooter in all situations.

Ultimately, most of Edgecombe’s current limitations come from his reliance on physical tools without full control over them. That might sound like a red flag on the surface, but these are coachable, correctable issues — especially for a young player with his work ethic and athletic profile. With the right training and developmental support, Edgecombe has all the ingredients to turn raw potential into a refined, high-level NBA game.

Potential Fit with the Sixers ​

Edgecombe is a high-end prospect in what’s shaping up to be a loaded draft class. He brings skills that should translate immediately — especially the kind Daryl Morey has emphasized in recent podcast appearances: transition scoring, easy buckets and versatility. Edgecombe checks all those boxes while also offering some of the highest upside in the entire class.

That’s why, regardless of fit concerns, he’s the top player on my board if Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are off the table at No. 3. And when it comes to “fit” with the Sixers, I don’t think it’s nearly as problematic as some might suggest. Sure, Philadelphia already has a crowded backcourt with Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and likely Quentin Grimes all in the mix. But in reality, having players like Grimes and Edgecombe — both strong defenders and capable off-ball contributors — alongside the team’s smaller guards would be a tremendous luxury.

The only potential challenge with Edgecombe’s fit in Philly is his overlap with Grimes. Both players share a similar archetype — defensive-minded perimeter players who thrive off the ball and bring energy on both ends. Ideally, one of them would need to guard up a position and defend forwards consistently. While they may give up some size to true NBA wings, I’d argue both have the tools — strength, motor and instincts — to hold their own in those matchups.

Edgecombe’s physicality, relentless energy, and defensive versatility would give the Sixers real lineup flexibility. He allows the team to toggle between small-ball and switch-heavy looks without compromising toughness or intensity. He’s more than a safe pick — he’s the type of two-way player who could anchor a playoff rotation for years to come.

Draft Projection​

SB Nation mock draft: No. 4, Charlotte Hornets

You won’t find many mock drafts where Edgecombe falls outside the top four — and for good reason. He’s an elite athlete with day-one skills and the long-term potential to become even more impactful.

In SB Nation’s mock draft, the Hornets land a hyper-athletic wing who can take on tough defensive assignments while keeping things simple offensively: catch lobs from LaMelo Ball, knock down open threes, and thrive in an up-tempo system.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...nba-draft-ace-bailey-tre-johnson-kon-knueppel

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers offseason mailbag: The draft debate rages on

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

We’re past the NBA draft lottery and scouting combine, but we still have little clarity about what the Sixers will do with the No. 3 overall pick.

The good news is that the Sixers won the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, which means they didn’t have to send a mid-lottery pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The bad news is that we still have roughly five weeks until the draft, which means we’re all going to talk ourselves in circles over the next month about what they should do with that pick.

The draft isn’t the only major story hovering over the NBA, though. Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to meet with the Milwaukee Bucks next week to discuss his future, according to longtime NBA insider Chris Haynes. Whatever he decides will set off a series of dominoes that could have some trickle-down effects for the Sixers.

Oh, and there’s still basketball being played, too. The Minnesota Timberwolves looked like they might steal Game 1 from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half, but the Thunder went full belt-to-ass mode in the second half to run away with a blowout victory. (They outscored the Wolves 70-40 in the second half!) Meanwhile, the New York Knicks (sigh) and Indiana Pacers are set to renew their rivalry Wednesday with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

Aside from better health, what else do the Sixers need to go on a similar run next year? How could Giannis’ future impact what they do this offseason? And what on God’s green earth do they plan on doing with the No. 3 pick? That’s what we’re here to answer.

With all of that in mind, it’s time for another one of our weekly offseason mailbags. So, what questions do you have about the draft, free agency or trades? Drop them in the comments or send them to me on Bluesky (@btoporek.bsky.social) and I’ll answer as many as I can tomorrow.

In the meantime… who else is ready for Isaiah Joe to become an NBA champion?

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025/5/21/24434295/sixers-offseason-mailbag-the-draft-debate-rages-on

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Paul George had hilarious encounter with Sixers fans during Eagles’ Super Bowl win

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

You certainly can’t blame Sixers fans for their hilarious trash talk when they ran into Paul George.

In a year where nearly everything went wrong for the Sixers, Paul George’s massively underwhelming debut season was near the top of the list. With frequent cold shooting plus injury issues that he was allowed to play through for a ridiculously long time, he never came close to maintaining the kind of play he’s capable of.

It understandably drew frustration from fans... including some amazing encounters when George was out in Philadelphia.

Following the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over the Chiefs back in February, George was stuck in traffic and inevitably ran into a bunch of Sixers fans. As everyone realized who they were looking at, the typically Philly joke they threw George’s way was hilarious.

PG reveals what a Philly fan said to him while stuck in the Eagles parade & the reaction was PRICELESS pic.twitter.com/lRB2Gdc5rg

— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) May 26, 2025​

“Yo, that’s Paul George,” he recalled the fans saying, on the latest episode of his podcast. “Yo, that is Paul George. Yo, we coulda kept Tobias [Harris]. We coulda kept Tobias if you gon’ do this s***.”

With George shooting just 35.8 percent from three and averaging his fewest points for the season in over a decade, that kind of trash talk was perfect.

In fairness to George, though, he was good about it. He knew he wasn’t playing well enough, he appreciated how funny it was, and took it on the chin — knowing that Sixers fans are going to call players out when they need to. It’s one of the things that makes Philly such a good fan base.

That said, hopefully for the Sixers, George can get back on track and play well enough to reduce the need for it next season.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...elphia-eagles-super-bowl-parade-tobias-harris

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Editor-in-chief mailbag: Inching closer to the NBA Draft

Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

We’re a little less than a month away from the 2025 NBA Draft. Which prospects are you warming on? Any second-rounders in mind?

We’re now officially less than a month away from the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25.

Thank goodness!

In the meantime, let’s talk more about what the Sixers could do at No. 3. Who has their “Vontae Mack No Matter What” and who is open to a trade down? Do you have any guys in mind at No. 35 or in the event of a trade back?

My opinions have changed a bunch. I’m sure yours have too! Let me know in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer as many questions as I can for a post tomorrow.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...-mailbag-inching-closer-2025-nba-draft-sixers

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Khaman Maluach’s freakish tools make him a top-five prospect

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Freakish physical tools, rare defensive capabilities, and elite rim production make Duke’ Khaman Maluach a fascinating prospect.

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is Duke’s Khaman Maluach.

Even while playing alongside fellow stars and lottery picks in Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, it was hard to watch a Duke game and not have Khaman Maluach jump off the screen. Freakish physical tools, coupled with excellent mobility, and outlier production as a rim finisher, all while being new to the sport after picking up the game just four years ago, make Maluach a fascinating prospect with tremendous upside.

Profile​

Stats (PER 40 Min):

16.2 PPG

12.4 REB

2.5 BLK

71.2% FG

73.6 TS%

76.6% FT

Team: Duke

Year: Freshman

Position: Center

Height: 7’2

Weight: 253 lbs

Wingspan: 7’6 3/4

Born: September 14, 2006 (18 years old)

Hometown: Rumbek, South Sudan

Strengths​

Defense

Maluach is an elite defensive prospect. His size, length, timing and ability to get off the floor make him an outstanding rim protector. His mobility and feel make him an outstanding and versatile pick-and-roll defender, capable at times of hanging with guards' step for step, and has elite ground coverage ability to recover and contest shots at the rim. Maluach has all the makings of a future All-NBA defender who projects to be able to anchor a defense at the NBA level.

THE Khaman Maluach possession pic.twitter.com/rRkMAUMmem

— Will Rucker (@Will_Rucker3_AD) May 26, 2025​

Rim Finishing

Maluach is an elite play finisher both as a roller in pick-and-roll situations or in the dunker spot. He’s an elite lob threat with soft hands and a tremendous catch radius. Maluach also displays feathery touch on short jump hooks, push shots, and layups as well. He was one of the most efficient big men in college basketball history. He finished 77.6% on attempts at the rim, per Synergy. Maluach was 99th percentile scoring as a roller in pick-and-roll averaging 1.76 points per possession on such plays. Maluach has an excellent understanding of spacing and feel for when to circle or drop for dump offs and when to lift to create space for drives. He’s an excellent roller who knows when to explode out of screens or when to wait a split second or two before diving to the rim.

Khaman Maluach rim finishing pic.twitter.com/cUhLxiiBuf

— Matt Powers (@DraftPow) May 14, 2025​

Rebounding

Despite the zero-rebound performance against Houston in the Final Four, Maluach was an excellent rebounder on both the offensive and defensive glass for Duke in his lone season as a Blue Devil. Maluach had a 16.5 OREB% which led the ACC and a 19.2 DREB%, good for an 18.0 TRB% which is a very good number — especially for a freshman and especially for an 18-year-old freshman in a power conference. Maluach displays a high-end motor and a want to in his pursuit of rebounds. That coupled with his monstrous physical tools and soft hands make him a force on the glass of both ends.

Shooting Potential

Maluach has natural touch as evidenced by his free throw shooting and elite rim touch and finishing, but he also has flashed the ability both at Duke and in international play with South Sudan to step out and knockdown jump shots from both three and the midrange. Shooting isn’t at this time a true strength or threat in his game, but I would not be surprised if it became a respectable part of his game very quickly. If he becomes a legitimate shooting threat with true stretch and face up ability, we are talking about a true two-way unicorn.

Khaman Maluach is going to be atleast respectable threat as a shooter. The question is just how soon will that become a consistent part of his game and at what volume. pic.twitter.com/Ljq1LW1x7I

— Will Rucker (@Will_Rucker3_AD) May 26, 2025​

pic.twitter.com/Sz6oydjUiE

— Will Rucker (@Will_Rucker3_AD) May 26, 2025​

Weaknesses​

Physical Strength

Maluach at this stage lacks some in the strength department. At times, he can be bumped off his spots or pushed out on post ups and can be dislodged by stronger and older post players. I don't foresee this being much of an issue down the line. Maluach is just 18 years old and has a very solid frame. A year of two in an NBA strength and conditioning program should mitigate any current strength disadvantages.

Raw

Maluach is still very new to the game, and it shows up at times in his play, especially on the offensive end. There are times when Maluach gets off balance and can appear a bit awkward putting the ball on the floor. There will be some growing pains with some of his ball skills as a face up guy and in situations that he's asked to handle the ball or make a read. Maluach has flashed a bit as a short roll playmaker and passer out of the post displaying advanced feel for a guy that just recently started playing the game.

Draft Projection​

SB Nation Mock Draft: No. 5, Utah Jazz

Maluach has very clear and promising translatable skills to go along with outlier physical tools, making him one of the rarest types of prospects in recent memory. His mobility and flashes as shooter and face up player that give him one of the highest upsides in this class and a chance to be a truly special two-way force for a long time as a pro. Maluach’s floor with his defensive tools and elite play finishing ability make him a safe pick while his tantalizing potential and room to grow put him firmly as a top-five overall prospect in this class. Any team that selects him can feel that they are taking a swing on a potential star.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...uting-report-embiid-maxey-mccain-george-76ers

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Editor-in-chief mailbag: Lots of trade questions of all kinds

Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images

Trade up? Trade back? Trade for a young star? The Sixers have plenty of optionality with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

With the Sixers having the No. 3 overall pick, Daryl Morey has the optionality Sam Hinkie once dreamed of. Does he trade back and recoup more draft capital? Does he attempt to trade up for No. 2? Does he canvass the league for a young star to trade for? Or does he simply take a player?

I’m honestly just as curious as the rest of you, but I did my best to answer your most pressing questions.

PhillyPhan69
Mail bag question: which teams would be most interested in trading up to 3, and what could we realistically hope to gain in return. (I am team trade back if you can’t tell lol)
Article idea: contact the other SB nation b ball writers and see if you guys can play GM and make offers and counter offers involving the 3 pick just to see if there are viable trade options where both teams feel like they get a solid return.

The Brooklyn Nets seem like the ideal trade partner. They hold picks No. 8, 19, 26, 27 and 36. They also hold the Sixers’ protected 2028 first-rounder from the James Harden-Ben Simmons swap. The Nets also could use star power so if they love a prospect at No. 3, it would make sense. From the Sixers’ perspective, dropping to eight could get dicey as far as which players are available. That could be the deal-breaker.

Yossi Gozlan recently did a breakdown of the Sixers’ offseason, including draft trade ideas. He laid out two intriguing scenarios for trading back with the Utah Jazz (No. 5) or Washington Wizards (No. 6). I think the Sixers should have interest in both. The issue is that it might not be worth it for the Jazz or Wizards to move up. If the Sixers view all the prospects in the 3-6 range similarly, it’s likely those teams do as well.

And that’s sort of where I am right now — dropping to No. 8 might be too far and I’m not sure the teams at No. 5 or 6 will have much interest in moving up. Things can change, but I still lean toward the Sixers taking a player at No. 3.

For me, I still think drafting a player is the best option. I’m warming up on V.J. Edgecombe more and more. I see the way OKC is using all of these 6-foot-5 dogs to hound perimeter players — and all those guys can also make threes. Edgecombe’s floor is that, but with his athletic profile, he can be a whole lot more if he develops his handle and pull-up shooting.

Folks worry about size, having too many guards, blah blah blah. Have you watched 6-foot-5 Alex Caruso guard Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle this postseason? Have you watched Jrue Holiday ... well, have you watched Jrue Holiday play defense? Edgecombe has the physical profile and mentality to affect the game like that defensively with plenty of offensive upside to boot.

I’m still in Camp Tre Johnson as well. With his mechanics and athletic profile, I think he could develop into one of the best shooters in the NBA with room to grow off the dribble and as a playmaker. While he needs to improve as a defender, he should be able to develop into (at least) a passable defender with his 6-foot-10 wingspan.

I’m leery of Ace Bailey’s red flags, but I’d understand the high upside swing. The Sixers could be in a unique position to develop him. He’d face no pressure to contribute immediately as an on-ball player, where his game needs the most work. He’d also get to learn from one of his idols in Paul George — who also happens to really love Bailey.

Bailey might be behind Edgecombe and Johnson on my list, but that doesn’t mean he’d be a bad pick. I’d give the Sixers the benefit of the doubt given their recent draft history.

IniggoMontoya
Should they include Clippers pick to move up to #2 if they think Harper could be a star? Many somehow believe that will be a top three pick when in reality the odds are it will probably be in middle of round.
QuinyonamoBay
I think most Sixer fans agree that there is no slam dunk pick at number 3. But there is for the top 2. What are your thoughts on resigning Grimes, trading Jared McCain and the 3rd pick for the number 2 pick ? To me, that seems like a win for both teams, as San Antonio already has Fox and Castle and could use shooting. Then you move forward with Maxey/Harper as your building blocks.

Lumping these two together since the idea behind both is moving up to get Dylan Harper. Before I get into these scenarios, I think it’s important to preface there’s been zero indication that the Spurs have interest in trading No. 2. That’s likely because San Antonio is a very well-run organization and understands that you should always take the best player available, regardless of fit.

Entertaining the first idea, I would consider it. Who knows how many opportunities you’ll get to pick this high in the draft? And, to your point, who knows what the Clippers will look like in 2028? I understand they’re firmly L.A.’s second team, but they’re still in L.A. They should be able to attract free agents and/or be a potential landing spot for a disgruntled star. I wouldn’t expect Steve Ballmer to accept a blow-up style rebuild with his new arena just opening up. It’s still a valuable asset, but this could be an opportune time to use it — though again, I don’t see the Spurs being open to it.

I’m almost disturbed by all the folks throwing Jared McCain in fake trades (and that’s not picking on you — several people have suggested it). As I’ve said before, McCain is not untouchable, but giving him up after he’s already shown great promise at the NBA level AND the No. 3 pick seems awfully rich. I’m as big of a Dylan Harper fan as you’ll find. I think he’ll be a star. I also think McCain has the potential to be a star. If I’m the Spurs, I’d take this offer in a heartbeat. For that reason, I think it makes little sense for the Sixers.

fitz164
OKC is looking great, but do we know how willing their owner is to spending money on the team? They have Chet and Jalen Williams both coming up on extentions in 2 offseasons from now and its likely based on how both play they are looking at max deals. Is it possible they would look to move one of them to keep their costs down and still have a bank of picks to keep the good players flowing?
Would OKC entertain and should the Sixers be interested in making a trade involving the #3 pick for one of them?

Oh, now we’re getting weird (complimentary).

If any executive in the NBA would do something outrageously outside the box like this, it would be Sam Presti. The roster being so incredibly deep is a big reason they’re in the position they’re in. So would Presti use that position of strength to move a star for the No. 3 pick?

If they win a NBA championship and then turn around and flip Jalen Williams or Chet Holmgren because of future salary implications, that would be a rough look. I don’t think your notion is crazy though. We’ve already seen weird trades happen because of teams fearing the second apron. And if OKC fails to win it all, maybe they could sell the idea.

I think it’s extremely unlikely but I’ll entertain it for this mailbag.

For the Sixers, I would take Williams over Holmgren. Williams’ size and versatile defense make him an ideal fit next to Tyrese Maxey and McCain. I wish he shot threes a little better, but his ability as a playmaker along with the two guards would make it a nightmare for defenses. With that said, I would pull the trigger for Holmgren too. He’s freakish with his size and skill. There have certainly been times when he’s been bullied a bit in the playoffs, but he’s still only 23 with so much untapped potential on both ends.

I don’t see it happening, but if Morey and company decide to use the pick to trade for a player, this is the type of scenario you’d be looking at — acquiring a young star who will be due for an extension as Joel Embiid and Paul George’s contracts are set to expire.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...ba-draft-dylan-harper-ace-bailey-vj-edgecombe

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Collin Murray-Boyles could fit in well with current Sixers roster

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The South Carolina product seems to be projected towards the end of the lottery, well after Philadelphia is slated to select at third overall, but his fit with the Sixers is enticing.

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles.

You’ve probably heard it plenty of times now about Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Rutgers did not make the NCAA Tournament. But they’re not the only two NCAA prospects projected to go in the lottery who did not participate in March Madness. South Carolina had an abysmal 2024-25 yet its best player seems certain to be a lottery pick. We should also mention while we’re on this subject that Texas was a questionable decision at best from the selection committee otherwise Tre Johnson’s college team would have been excluded as well.

But we’re writing today to tell you about Collin Murray-Boyles. The sophomore forward feels like a bit of a tweener. He’s probably not mobile enough to consistently play the small forward spot in the NBA, but feels shorter than most NBA power forwards. However, he does enough things well to seem safely cemented in the first half of the first round so let’s get into what those things are.

Profile:

2024-25 Stats: 32 games, 30.6 minutes, 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 58.6 FG%, 26.5 3P%, 70.7 FT%

Team: South Carolina

Year: Sophomore

Position: F

Height and Weight: 6’7.0” (in shoes) and 239 lbs

Born: June 10, 2005 (20 years old in two weeks)

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Strengths​

Before we get into his specific attributes and those that stand out in particular, we should acknowledge Murray-Boyles is a gamer. He appeared in all 32 games that South Carolina played in 2024-25 and played about 31 minutes a night. Remember, in college basketball regulation is only 40 minutes long so Murray-Boyles was an ironman for a cellar-dwelling Gamecocks team this past season. He ended up being selected to the All-SEC second team which is a pretty good accomplishment considering it was a historic season for the SEC last year and South Carolina only won two conference games.

Naturally, one of Murray-Boyles’ strongest qualities is his motor and ability to finish through contact. He never wore down for South Carolina and shot 63% on field goal attempts inside the arc. He used his near 240-pound frame to his advantage as he graded out well in isolation sets and found ways to power through opposing defenders pretty frequently on the way to the basket.

Murray-Boyles is also an exceptional defender who is very versatile on that end of the floor as evidenced by the fact that he averaged 1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals per game last season. Perhaps this is the kind of skill that allows him to stick around in the NBA for a long while as he can be used in a lot of different ways on defense. Regardless of where he’s deployed, he’s going to rebound, which is another indicator of how hard he plays. To average over eight rebounds a game at his height in what was undoubtedly the best conference in the country last season is pretty impressive.

Lastly, as the focal point of South Carolina’s attack, Murray-Boyles saw plenty of double teams. He handled them well however and showed a nice level of comfort in passing out of these double teams which has him already decently advanced as a passer relative to other players his size.

Weaknesses​

There are some pretty clear red flags with Murray-Boyles’ game that do not translate to today’s NBA. First off, he’s not an elite athlete. This presents hindrances on both sides of the floor. Offensively, if you can’t confidently play vertically, someone like Murray-Boyles who thrived a lot on overpowering college players to get his points, might not be able to do the same against NBA forwards which would cap his offensive ceiling. On the defensive end of the floor, his foot speed may not hold up against quicker wings which might make him harder to play at the 3.

The lack of athleticism is compounded on the offensive end of the floor by the absence of a jump shot. He only attempted one three-pointer per game in college and was simply reluctant to take jumpers outside of 15-20 feet from the basket unless he was left all alone. So that begs the question, how much of his college scoring is going to translate to the next level?

On a broader level, irrespective of what any team in the lottery currently has on its roster, it’s fair to wonder if some of these drawbacks might be non-starters for lottery teams. Would a team that has several good athletes and outside shooters already on its roster be willing to live with Murray-Boyles’ deficiencies or is he simply below the prerequisite standards in those departments for some teams to spend a lottery pick on him?

His prototype makes him a throwback prospect which complicates his fit in today’s NBA. If he’s not quick enough to play the 3, you have to play him at the 4, but how many modern power forwards who aren’t very athletic also can’t stretch the floor with an adequate jump shot? Also, at 6-foot-7 for as good of a defender as he may be, he’d be an undersized power forward. Frankly, had he decided to go back to college for one more year, cut some weight and improve his jump shot, we might be having a different conversation one year from now. He might be more playable as a small forward in the NBA at that point and that’s probably something the team that drafts him is going to have to work on.

Potential Fit with the Sixers​

If you’re a believer in the 2025-26 Sixers and are envisioning a return to the postseason, you’re probably going to be more interested in Murray-Boyles. Outside of Ace Bailey, a lot of the common targets we’re seeing get mocked to the Sixers are shorter than Murray-Boyles and are either guards or undersized small forwards in the NBA. If Murray-Boyles ended up in Philadelphia, he would not be eating into the playing time of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain or Quentin Grimes the way some of the other prospects in the lottery would be.

Maxey, McCain and Grimes are all good outside shooters. Despite a down season last year, Paul George is still a 38.3% shooter from beyond the arc in his career and we know a healthy Joel Embiid can stretch the floor. So if you’re getting plenty of three-pointers from other sources, the primary concern about Murray-Boyles’ offensive game is lessened with the Sixers. Now envision the menacing defensive presence he could be on the wing with George. If you had both of those guys lock things down against opposing 3s and 4s and a healthy Embiid protecting the rim, you’d probably be a pretty solid defensive team if you could just defend the three-point line at a league-average clip.

Effort and motor aren’t the flashiest things to sell when promoting draft prospects, but they’re good attributes for a prospect who gets drafted by the Sixers to have. I think even the most optimistic Sixers fan would sign up for 50 games from both Embiid and George next regular season if I said that both were going to be performing at a high level when they were on the floor. If we’re willing to accept what feels like at least a somewhat optimistic projection for the performance of those two veterans, we’re still left with 32 games in which they’re not available next season. That’s almost half the season in which the team’s younger players, new additions, and cheaper salaries are going to have to play well enough in order for Philly to win enough games to get a good playoff seed and feel good about its championship chances.

That’s where Murray-Boyles’ mental toughness and availability could become an additional asset for Philadelphia. If you’re getting 110% from him every night to go with elite defense, it’s going to give the Sixers an increased chance of winning those second legs of back-to-backs in the dog days of January. This kind of behavior could become infectious and between Murray-Boyles, Grimes, McCain, Maxey, Adem Bona, Justin Edwards, and perhaps Guerschon Yabusele if he returns, there could be a nice cohesive group of young Sixers that plays hard every night and builds good chemistry.

A strong argument can be made that regardless of how well Murray-Boyles might fit with the current version of the Sixers, drafting him for this reason would be an over-reliance on the current roster and result in drafting a lesser prospect. It’s important to note that Murray-Boyles probably only ends up in Philadelphia in a trade down scenario and is highly unlikely to be selected third overall.

Proponents of selecting Murray-Boyles would point to how well he fits with the current Sixers roster and whatever the team would be receiving in a trade back towards the end of the top 10 and be excited. Opponents of selecting the South Carolina forward would cite the need to take the best player available with the highest ceiling with how uncertain the short-term future of the franchise is. Many of Murray-Boyles’ detractors simply might not care how well he fits with the Sixers and be turned off enough by his poor athleticism and jump shooting to not be interested even if Philadelphia does move back in the first round.

Draft Projection​

SB Nation Mock Draft: No. 11, Portland Trail Blazers

Considering how athletic Shaedon Sharpe is, this feels like a good fit for Murray-Boyles as Sharpe would likely make up for what Murray-Boyles lacks athletically. Given the Trail Blazers drafted Donovan Clingan in the lottery last year, it would also stand to reason that Clingan would do the majority of the interior defending for Portland so the pacific northwest is certainly a good landing spot for Murray-Boyles.

If Portland were to want to move up to No. 3 with the Sixers, Deni Avdija might be a player off Portland’s roster that Daryl Morey would covet. Avdija is still in his mid 20s and appeared in 72 games for the Trail Blazers last year and started 54 of them. He has three years remaining on his current contract. He’s a solid 3-point shooter finishing at 36.5% last year with the Trail Blazers and 37.4% in 2023-24 with Washington so in theory Avdija and Murray-Boyles getting the bulk of the minutes on the wings on nights Paul George didn’t play would make some sense. If Kelly Oubre returns next season, between Oubre, George, Edwards Avdija and Murray-Boyles, Philadelphia’s wing depth would round out well.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...ft-collin-murray-boyles-south-carolina-sixers

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Jeremiah Fears has the tools to be a NBA Draft breakout

Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images

Jeremiah Fears might have the best handle in the 2025 NBA Draft and his ability to create is also near the top of the class.

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears.

As things stand, the Sixers are set to pick third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Holding the third overall pick gives Philadelphia valuable flexibility — something the front office is surely excited about. Trading down for additional assets is very much on the table, and if they go that route without wanting to sacrifice upside, Jeremiah Fears could be their guy.

Fears, however, is a guard — and that’s where some skepticism comes in. The Sixers already have two, possibly three, guards expected to log minutes next season: Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. So, in a trade-down scenario — or even at No. 3 — does selecting Fears actually make sense?

We’ll break down his strengths, weaknesses, potential fit with the Sixers, and where one of the 2025 draft’s most intriguing prospects is currently landing in mock drafts.

Profile​

2024-25 Stats: 34 games, 30.2 minutes, 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.1 blocks, 43.4 FG%, 28.4 3P%, 85.1 FT%

Team: Oklahoma

Year: Freshman

Position: G

Height and Weight: 6’2.5” (without shoes) and 179.6 pounds

Born: October 14, 2006 (18 years old)

Hometown: Joliet, Illinois

Strengths ​

Starting with his frame, Jeremiah Fears has ideal physical tools for a lead guard. He measured 6’2.5” barefoot (over 6’4” in shoes) with a 6’5.25” wingspan and a strong, well-built frame. While not an elite vertical athlete, he possesses good functional athleticism and is quick and agile with excellent body control.

What really stands out, though, are the intangibles. Fears is one of the most competitive players in the 2025 draft class. He plays with poise, pace and confidence well beyond his years, showing excellent control even in high-pressure moments. He’s a vocal leader and high-character prospect, with a strong work ethic and a basketball pedigree by several accounts.

Offensively, Fears is a polished and natural three-level scorer. He can create his own shot with tight handles, a quick first step, and — most notably — a great change of pace. That ability to manipulate tempo puts defenders on their heels and helps him create separation, much like guards such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Kyrie Irving. He’s fluid off the dribble and uses hesitation moves, herky-jerky rhythm shifts, and slick footwork to attack defenders from different angles.

As a shooter, Fears is smooth and confident, both off the catch and off the bounce. He’s comfortable pulling up from midrange or behind the arc and shows solid mechanics and balance in his jumper. He’s also a threat off movement, with legitimate three-level scoring upside.

In the pick-and-roll, Fears already operates like a veteran. He reads coverages well, knows when to snake the screen or reject it entirely, and shows excellent timing on pocket passes and lobs. His feel for spacing and ability to make quick decisions makes him a capable playmaker, especially for his age.

Around the rim, he’s a crafty finisher with soft touch and a deep bag. He uses floaters, high-glass layups, and off-hand finishes to score over length, and he’s not afraid of contact. Despite not being an elite leaper, he leverages his body well and has a strong sense of timing near the basket.

Defensively, Fears plays with energy and focus. He moves well laterally, has active hands, and shows solid instincts in the passing lanes. When he’s locked in, he can be a disruptive on-ball defender. He also rebounds well for a guard, averaging 4.1 rebounds per game at Oklahoma and 4.8 per game during his high school career.

Add to that his leadership qualities, maturity, and the fact that he grew late (now a legit 6’4”)— and it’s easy to see why Fears exploded down the stretch of his freshman season, averaging around 25 points per game over his final 10 outings. He’s the kind of guard who impacts winning in multiple ways and brings both floor and ceiling value to whichever team bets on him.

Weaknesses ​

While Jeremiah Fears brings plenty to like, there are still areas of his game that need refining— particularly if he’s going to maximize his potential as a lead guard at the next level.

Shooting consistency remains a question mark. Although his mechanics are clean and repeatable, Fears has struggled from three-point range, hitting just 28.4% from beyond the arc during his freshman season at Oklahoma. He wasn’t a lights-out shooter in high school either, and while there’s optimism that he’ll improve, he’ll need to become more reliable —especially off the dribble — to fully unlock his offensive ceiling.

Shot selection can also be an issue. At times, he settles for contested midrange jumpers instead of probing further into the defense or seeking contact at the rim. Developing more discipline in this area would not only improve his efficiency but also open up better playmaking options.

As a passer, Fears has shown flashes — particularly in the pick-and-roll — but he’s still more of a scoring guard than a true facilitator at this stage. He averaged 4.1 assists to 3.4 turnovers per game, and there are moments where he dribbles into traffic or forces passes under pressure. His vision is solid, but his decision-making can lag behind, especially when the defense collapses.

Improving as a spot-up shooter will also be important. Right now, he’s more comfortable with the ball in his hands than spacing the floor off-ball, which could limit his versatility early on in a multi-guard lineup.

Defensively, the tools are there — quick feet, solid frame, and flashes of on-ball toughness — but his focus can waver, particularly off the ball. He’ll need to tighten up his screen navigation and stay more disciplined in team defensive concepts to avoid getting caught out of position.

To his credit, many of these are typical developmental areas for young guards making the leap to a higher level of competition. With his work ethic and competitiveness, there’s reason to believe Fears can make meaningful strides in each of these areas.

Potential Fit in Philly​

Among the projected top-10 prospects, there’s a fair argument that Jeremiah Fears might be the least natural fit for Philadelphia. As noted earlier, Fears is at his best with the ball in his hands — he’ll need consistent on-ball reps to develop, work through mistakes, and showcase his strengths as a scorer and playmaker. While he has the size to theoretically play off the ball, he hasn’t yet demonstrated the skill set to thrive in that role.

The Sixers, meanwhile, are already crowded at the guard spot. Some might argue that Tyrese Maxey or Jared McCain could benefit from playing off-ball more often, but doing so would come at the cost of size and defensive versatility. Despite Fears’ solid frame for a guard, he’s unlikely to match up well against true forwards, and pairing him with another undersized guard only compounds the issue. A way-too-early look at next season’s roster suggests Maxey and McCain will handle the bulk of the ball-handling responsibilities, which could limit the developmental runway Fears needs in a lead guard role.

We’ll see how quickly Fears can improve his perimeter shooting, but if it doesn’t translate early — or at all — you’re looking at a guard who’s most effective with the ball in his hands and offers little as a floor spacer without it. That kind of profile could create spacing issues alongside Joel Embiid, especially in high-leverage offensive situations.

Could Fears still work in Philadelphia? Absolutely — particularly if given time to develop. But there are several other prospects in this range who not only project as cleaner fits but also address more immediate needs for the Sixers without sacrificing upside.

Draft Projection​

SB Nation mock draft: No. 8, Brooklyn Nets

In this mock, Fears falls to the eighth pick, where the Brooklyn Nets — desperately in need of talent, and more specifically a lead guard — would likely be thrilled to scoop him up. For Fears, this could be one of the most favorable landing spots in the draft. While the Nets are expected to bring back D’Angelo Russell, he could easily slide over to the two and play off of Fears. Together, they’d form a backcourt of two bigger guards, both capable of scoring and creating offense, giving Brooklyn a much-needed jolt of playmaking and versatility.

When it comes to what will actually happen on draft night, Fears remains one of the harder prospects to project. He has some of the highest upside in this class, but the sheer amount of guard depth across the league could cause teams in the top 10 to look elsewhere. Realistically, he could be selected as high as fourth or slide into the late lottery, making him one of the biggest swing prospects in the draft.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...profile-sixers-no-3-tyrese-maxey-jared-mccain

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Nobody seems to know Daryl Morey’s draft night plans — and that’s a good thing

Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images

There’s been plenty of slop out there about what the Sixers might do with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The good news is nobody actually seems to know.

Another day closer to the 2025 NBA Draft and there’s more slop about what the Sixers could do on draft night.

In ESPN’s most recent top-100 Big Board piece, a blurb about Ace Bailey has an interesting take on his draft stock and how it pertains to the Sixers winning the No. 3 overall pick:

“The possibility that Philadelphia, angling to win more games next season, opts to go a different direction could move him down the board a spot or two, with Charlotte and Utah likely to look hard should he be available — and his upside might become too difficult to pass on.”

You’ll recall a few weeks ago that ESPN suggested the Sixers could trade the No. 3 overall pick (along with Paul George) for 36-year-old Kevin Durant. That report was squashed nearly immediately by several outlets.

Even ESPN’s Brian Windhorst weighed in on the possibilities for the Sixers.

“Some years we expect July 1st to be the big time for offseason activity, I think the [NBA Draft] will be very big this time … Either [pick 2 or 3] I think have a chance to be in play. And I don’t know what’s going to happen with them … Maybe the #Sixers will trade up with the…

— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) May 29, 2025​

It seems as though nobody has any idea what the hell Daryl Morey and company intend to do. Whether it’s because the team isn’t fully sure yet or they want everyone to think they don’t know, it’s a good thing for the Sixers.

Morey himself has been steadfast in saying they like where they are at No. 3 and feel great about selecting a player there. There’s been no inside info about which players they could be targeting, but there have been multiple reports corroborating what Morey has said publicly about his comfortability making a pick at three.

The Sixers could simply take a player. If they identify one of Ace Bailey, V.J. Edgecombe, Tre Johnson or Kon Knueppel as their guy, there’s no need to get cute. Just take them. Because those players are so close projection-wise, a trade back could make sense, but trading for an old veteran/out of the first round entirely doesn’t jive at all with what Morey has said. It feels lazy to assume that because Morey has made big trades for stars in the past that he’ll do so again. A trade down feels infinitely more likely than any type of blockbuster for a player.

With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper projected to be off the board first, and no consensus player at No. 3, it almost feels like the draft starts at the Sixers’ pick. That’s an advantageous position to be in. If the Sixers have similar grades on all four of the aforementioned players, they could trade down to six and feel comfortable one of their guys will be there. If their range of players goes deeper than that, the Brooklyn Nets have plenty of draft capital while currently sitting at No. 8.

With that said, if the Sixers view these prospects similarly, there’s a decent chance the teams picking behind them might feel the same way and simply stay in their current draft slots. If Morey ultimately doesn’t make a trade, it could be as simple as there was nobody to tango with. Then again, it only takes one team to fall in love with Bailey or Edgecombe and get antsy.

The reality is likely Morey’s plan isn’t fully crystalized — nor should it be. Draft workouts have begun. Teams will fall in and out of love with players. Opinions will change and executives could get anxious. The biggest advantage the Sixers have is that they know every player not named Flagg or Harper should be available to them.

Whether intentional or unintentional, it’s better for the other 29 teams to have no idea what Daryl Morey is going to do.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...ers-daryl-morey-trade-ace-bailey-vj-edgecombe

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Carter Bryant has been a draft riser. Would he make sense for Sixers in a trade back?

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Carter Bryant has become a draft expert darling. How high should he go in the 2025 NBA Draft and is he a fit for the Sixers?

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is Arizona’s Carter Bryant.

Carter Bryant was a five-star recruit and considered a top-30 high school player by major outlets. When he went to Arizona, there was no guarantee he’d be a one-and-done. Though he didn’t star for an excellent Wildcats team, he made a massive impact on both ends. Beyond the counting stats, Bryant showed off the skills and size to be the type of positionless player NBA teams covet.

Profile​

2024-25 Stats: 37 games, 19.3 minutes, 6.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.0 blocks, 46.0% FG, 37.1% 3P, 69.5% FT

Team: Arizona

Year: Freshman

Position: F

Height & Weight: 6’6.5” (without shoes) | 214.8 lbs

Born: November 26, 2005 (19 years old)

Hometown: Riverside, California

Strengths​

Bryant possesses outstanding size — a nearly 7-foot wingspan with a sturdy frame — to go along with elite athleticism, testing very well at the NBA Draft Combine. This shows up most on the defensive end of the floor, where Bryant was an absolute menace for the Wildcats. His switchability, instincts and length ruin possessions for opposing offenses. He’s dogged on-ball and an impact off-ball defender. He posted over four stocks per 40 minutes during his lone college season. At minimum, he’s going to be a defensive demon at the next level.

There are several indicators that Bryant is only scratching the surface of his game offensively. He shot the three-ball well at 37.1% and even flashed the ability to put the ball on the deck and knock down a few pull-up jumpers. His feel offensively is also intriguing. He proved to be a good rebounder (8.5 per 40 minutes) and often made excellent outlet passes to fuel easy transition buckets.

There are shades of an Aaron Gordon-like skillset (complimentary) with his size, defensive versatility, and ability to pitch in offensively when needed. He looks like a winning basketball player.

Weaknesses

While the offensive flashes are exciting, they’re just flashes. In his defense, Bryant wasn’t asked to do a ton because the team already had veteran guards like Caleb Love, Jaden Bradley and KJ Lewis sharing the offensive load. Still, I’d like to see a bit more before I believe he will be an impactful offensive player with the ball in his hands. While he shot the three ball well, he was only an OK free throw shooter at 69.5%. He also had more turnovers (37) than assists (36) — not great for a low usage player.

The only concern defensively is fouling. He averaged 4.8 fouls per 40 minutes this past season. As our old friend Brett Brown once said about Matisse Thybulle, you’d rather a guy who fouls too much because they’re too aggressive than a guy who never fouls because he’s not aggressive enough. It’s much easier to tamp down aggressiveness than it is to get it out of someone.

Potential Fit with the Sixers​

Bryant’s biggest draw is that he creates turnovers and easy baskets on the other end. Combine that with his ability to rebound and knock down shots and he ticks just about every box Daryl Morey has when asked how he’s looking to build the Sixers for the future.

In a vacuum, Bryant is an incredible fit here. His size and defensive prowess would help offset those discrepancies with guys like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. The Sixers wouldn’t need him to be a big-time creator, which could help him develop that skillset while still producing right away. He could have a similar career path (but hopefully a healthier one) to someone like OG Anunoby.

Bryant wouldn’t be an option at No. 3 but would be an intriguing player in a trade-down scenario. While some draft experts seem to have fallen in love with Bryant to the point of putting him in the top 10, I’m not there. Top 15? Absolutely. So it would likely take a pretty far trade back for Bryant to make sense.

Draft Projection​

SB Nation mock draft: No. 14, San Antonio Spurs

SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell has Bryant going at pick 14. That feels about right. He’d be a tremendous fit on the Spurs for the same reasons he’d be a tremendous fit here. San Antonio is loaded with guards (especially if they take Dylan Harper at No. 2, which seems likely) so adding a player like Bryant to the mix makes a ton of sense. Bryant and Victor Wembanyama would be a super fun duo on the defensive end of the floor.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...layer-profile-carter-bryant-sixers-trade-back

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Thomas Sorber has enough tools to make him an interesting trade-back option

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber might not be the first big off the board in the 2025 NBA Draft, but the Archbishop Ryan grad is an intriguing prosepct.

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber.

Georgetown had a tough season, failing to make the NCAA Tournament and finishing just 8-12 in conference play. Archbishop Ryan alum Thomas Sorber was one of the Hoyas’ bright spots, making the Big East All-Freshman team and All-Big East Third Team. Unfortunately, his season was cut short because of a left foot injury that required surgery. Now recovered, the 19-year-old was one of the best big men in the conference and should be in the lottery mix in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Profile​

2024-25 Stats: 24 games, 31.3 minutes, 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.0 blocks, 53.2% FG, 16.2% 3P, 72.4% FT

Team: Georgetown

Year: Freshman

Position: C

Height & Weight: 6’9.25” (without shoes) | 262.8 lbs

Born: December 25, 2005 (19 years old)

Hometown: Trenton, New Jersey

Strengths​

Sorber has great size, standing nearly 7-foot with shoes and weighing a sturdy 260-plus pounds. He also possess a massive wingspan at 7-foot-6, second only to Duke big man Khaman Maluach. While he’s not an explosive leaper, he uses his size and energy to make up for it.

Despite the size, Sorber shows tremendous touch with the ability to finish with both hands at the rim and also hit the occasional jumper. He looked comfortable facing the basket and pulling up for the occasional middie. While the results weren’t there from deep, he put up plenty of threes and the shot looks far from broken. The fact that he shot 72.4% from the line is encouraging.

His ability as a screener, roller and playmaker out of pick-and-rolls is second to none in the class. He shows great feel, is a good cutter and makes quick decisions with the ball in his hands. He averaged 2.4 assists a game, often delivering timely and accurate passes. As the season went on, he also proved to be adept at navigating double teams in the post.

The most notable thing about Sorber on the other end of the floor is his motor. He’s relentless pursuing the basketball. He posted over two blocks and 1.5 steals per game, combining his length, motor and instincts. Those things also make him an excellent rebounder, where he uses his size, strength and timing to make up for a lack of elite athleticism. His “second jump” helps make up for some deficiencies as well. He’s also excellent at challenging shots without fouling.

The skillset is similar to an Isaiah Hartenstein but with more offensive upside and potential to be a more impactful defender.

Weaknesses​

The biggest weakness for Sorber is a lack of top-end athleticism. If he were a high flyer, he’d be a top-five pick. He’s sort of a below-the-rim player despite his size. He often used his skill, length and strength to finish in college, but will he able to do so against NBA competition? That of course also leads to questions on the defensive end.

While there were shooting flashes and the free throw shooting shows a decent foundation, Sorber went just 6-of-37 from three during his freshman season. To reach his highest ceiling, he’ll have to be a consistent jump shooter.

The turnovers weren’t great but maybe that changes in a better offensive ecosystem at the next level.

Potential Fit with the Sixers​

Sorber would only be taken by the Sixers in a trade-back scenario, but he would be a fascinating fit.

With his size and the rim protection he offers, he could be a solid fit in lineups with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. Offensively, he would create opportunities for both guards with his ability as a screener, roller and passer. He’d also fit well with what Nick Nurse wants to do by using his length to create turnovers.

Looking towards the future, it’s not crazy to think he could play in lineups with Adem Bona. If Sorber shoots at the next level, Bona could make up for his lack athleticism. They could make an intriguing front court duo.

Draft Projection​

SB Nation mock draft: No. 15, Oklahoma City Thunder

I’m actually mad at this. OKC getting the 15th pick and then basically drafting a player that could take Hartenstein’s place when their current starting center prices himself out ... the rich just keep getting richer. Sorber would be such a great fit with the Thunder and the culture they’ve built.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...orber-georgetown-sixers-joel-embiid-adem-bona

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Sixers offseason mailbag: The chaos ramps up

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

With three weeks to go until the 2025 NBA draft, smokescreen SZN is in full effect.

This paragraph from Matt Moore of the Hardwood Paroxysm Substack is the perfect summary of where things stand with three weeks to go until the 2025 NBA draft.

“The Sixers are sending out mixed signals about that third pick. I’ve heard they’re willing to move it for a star upgrade, want to keep it, and are fine with taking Ace Bailey, and that they are not fans and may take VJ Edgecombe instead. All options are obviously on the table for a team in their position. So that clears that up.”

As Liberty Ballers editor in chief Paul Hudrick wrote the other day, the Sixers have done a great job of masking their actual intentions with the No. 3 overall pick thus far. That only stands to benefit them, particularly if other teams grow infatuated with one of the prospects in that range.

So, on the precipice of the 2025 NBA Finals—aka the Isaiah Joe vs. T.J. McConnell Bowl—what questions do you have about the Sixers’ upcoming offseason? Fire away with any draft, trade or free-agency questions either in the comments section here or on Bluesky (@btoporek.bsky.social) and I’ll answer as many as I can tomorrow.

In the meantime, catch up on our draft profiles across the site! The LB gang has been doing a killer job previewing basically any prospect whom the Sixers might select.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025/6/4/24443074/sixers-offseason-mailbag-the-chaos-ramps-up

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Report: Former NBA guard Dennis Smith Jr. working out for Sixers at veteran minicamp

Photo credit should read Altan Gocher / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Former NBA guard Dennis Smith Jr. is reportedly working out with the Philadelphia 76ers at the team’s two-day veteran minicamp.

We know the NBA Finals started last night, but let’s focus on the real news — the Philadelphia 76ers’ veteran minicamp.

The two-day camp reportedly includes former NBA guard Dennis Smith Jr., according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Former NBA lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr is working out for the #Sixers, according to sources. Smith is among several participants at the team’s two-day veteran minicamp. pic.twitter.com/Gljlgvk0dj

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 5, 2025​

The 27-year-old was the ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft before failing to really get steady footing anywhere, bouncing to six teams in seven seasons’ time. In 326 career games across the association, Smith averaged 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 18.9 minutes per game. He played stints with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets and the Brooklyn Nets.

Smith’s most recent NBA experience came in 2023-24 when he appeared in 56 games (two starts) for the Nets. In 18.9 minutes per outing, Smith averaged 6.6 points per game on 43.5% field goal shooting and 29.4% shooting from three-point range with 3.6 assists and 2.9 rebounds.

His most recent experience in general came from just four games with Real Madrid back in February — he averaged just 9.0 minutes for 2.8 points per game. A few months ago, reports emerged that the veteran point guard would be leaving Real Madrid and attempting a return to the NBA.

In addition to Smith, Pompey added a list of players also reportedly in attendance for the Sixers’ camp.

Eugene Omoruyi, Malcolm Hill, Adama Sanago, Alondes Williams, Malik Williams, Armando Bacot, Javonte Cooke, Judah Mintz and Leaky Black are some of the participants, according to sources. https://t.co/gyNjg1kEq8

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 5, 2025​

If you recognize Judah Mintz’s name, it is because he was technically a Sixer for a few minutes. After going undrafted in 2024, the Sixers picked up Mintz on a Exhibit 10 contract before waiving him shortly after. He played 24 games for the Delaware Blue Coats in their most recent season, averaging 21.2 points per game.

Might absolutely nothing come of this minicamp? Sure! But this is just one of the first small dominoes falling to begin a long offseason of slowly piecing together the Sixers’ roster that Nick Nurse will have in front of him by the time fall comes around. Buckle up.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...oklyn-nets-judah-mintz-nick-nurse-daryl-morey

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

NBA mock draft roundup: Who’s the popular pick for Sixers at no. 3?

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

From Ace Bailey to VJ Edgecombe, let's see who experts are picking for the Sixers at no. 3 as the 2025 NBA Draft rapidly approaches.

With only the rest of the Finals between the Pacers and Thunder to go before this season comes to a close, it’s nearly time for the full focus of the NBA world to shift to the 2025 Draft. And thanks to some lottery luck going the Sixers’ way, there’s plenty to look forward to and think about this year with the third overall pick.

As draft day draws closer and intel changes, we're seeing some movement in experts' mocks. With that in mind, let’s catch up on some recent mock drafts and focus on the most popular choices for the Sixers’ lottery pick.

Spoiler alert: Ace Bailey is awfully popular right now...

Bleacher Report​

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman is one of several experts going with Ace Bailey to the Sixers at the moment, highlighting Bailey’s serious scoring potential for the future as the highlight for when Philly’s stars get even older:

While some observers were disappointed by Ace Bailey’s 6’7.5” barefoot measurement, he still brings valuable size and length for a scoring wing, including a 7’0.5” wingspan that gives him a clear physical edge.

The Sixers may also take a hard look at VJ Edgecombe, who offers a burst of athleticism and defensive quickness that differs from Bailey’s game. However, with Paul George just turning 35 after a down year and questions surrounding Joel Embiid’s durability and long-term value, Bailey’s shot-making upside could prove more appealing to Philadelphia’s front office.

Yahoo! Sports​

Kevin O’Connor from Yahoo! Sports is another. O’Connor digs a bit deeper into both sides of the argument with Bailey, though. Do you embrace his shot-making talent and upside, with the size and defensive tools to fit nicely at the 3 next to the Sixers’ smaller guards? Or do you go in another direction, due to Bailey’s current limited efficiency, decision-making issues, and sometimes ill-advised shot selection? There’s a learning curve to maximize Bailey’s offense before he’d be an ideal fit next to Joel Embiid while the emphasis is to win now.

Here’s how O’Connor sums it up:

“On one side of the debate, the Rutgers freshman is viewed as a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. And at his size, he fits next to Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain in the years to come. While his upside is clear, the other side of the debate rightfully wonders: Can the Sixers afford to wait on Bailey to maybe turn into something when the clock is ticking on the Joel Embiid era? And how realistically will Bailey accept a backseat role? In Chicago he was asked about his wild shot selection and said: “That might be a bad shot to you, you don’t work on it. I work on it.” The issue is he made only 36.4% of his midrange pull-ups and 24.4% of his pull-up 3s. If he’s willing to change his shot diet, then concerns about his short-term fit in Philly would be alleviated. But not entirely. Bailey’s shooting inconsistency, plus his raw edges as a shot creator and defender, need sanding down.”

The Ringer​

The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann and Danny Chau in their latest mock have moved from Tre Johnson to Bailey for the Sixers. Here's their reasoning:

“I’ve had Tre Johnson earmarked for Philly for a while because he could be a great plug-and-play fit, but Bailey does a lot of similar things (albeit not quite as efficiently in the movement shooting from 3), while also having more size and defensive upside. Bailey doesn’t have to become a superstar to make an impact in the NBA. His something-from-nothing shotmaking, even without taking a single dribble, will be a helpful option when possessions go south. And once some easy offense comes into his life after he trudged through possessions at Rutgers, it’s highly possible that his strengths will pop even more than they did in college...”

SB Nation​

After all the Bailey buzz, let’s mix it up a bit. SB Nation’s own Ricky O’Donnell has gone in a different direction in his latest mock this week: it’s VJ Edgecombe to Philly instead.

Here are a few of his thoughts:

If Philly does stick with the pick, they have lots of good options. I ranked the eight best players the Sixers could take at No. 3, and landed on VJ Edgecombe and Kon Knueppel as the top two choices. While I still favor Knueppel for the Sixers, Edgecombe is generally ranked higher on boards and feels like a safer projection. Philly’s perimeter would be a bit small with either player, but Edgecombe’s athleticism and defensive playmaking, and Knueppel’s shooting and offensive playmaking would make either a solid selection.

Apart from drafts/picks where it’s a complete foregone conclusion who should be taken — like a LeBron James or Zion Williamson going first overall — there are usually rumors about trade possibilities. That’s been the case with the Sixers, too. Unsurprisingly, some have speculated that the Sixers could look to attach the third pick to a key player and some of their hefty contracts (hello, Paul George) and bring in some more experienced talent for next season. Alternatively, maybe they could look to trade back a little later in the lottery and pick up an extra asset, seeing as their are multiple players who could nicely suit the team in the top 10.

There are plenty of good options at no. 3, though. Including high-upside players who could help the team and raise the ceiling for the future alongside Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, even if George and Embiid decline sooner than hoped if the battle against injuries and father time doesn’t go in their favor.

Another interesting option who hasn’t come up at all in this mock roundup is Kon Knueppel. There’d be some defensive concerns with Maxey, McCain and the 6-foot-5 Knueppel, yet the offensive possibilities by adding Knueppel as a sharp complementary passer and arguably the best shooter in this draft class can't be ignored.

Whatever they decide, the Sixers have a highly valuable trade trip, or an exciting rookie talent to draft. We’ll keep you posted on all the latest draft noise as it approaches.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...-bailey-vj-edgecombe-kon-knueppel-joel-embiid

 

[Philadelphia 76ers]

Meet Rasheer Fleming: The forward with a 7-5 wingspan NBA teams can’t ignore

Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images

Rasheer Fleming starred at St. Joe’s and will now bring his freakish skillset and size to the NBA.

Before the 2025 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 3 and 35. Next up in this series is Saint Joseph’s Rasheer Fleming.

The modern NBA places a premium on long, versatile players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. When it comes to length and defensive range, few prospects stand out like Rasheer Fleming, a projected first-round pick. With rumors circulating that the Sixers might be open to trading down, Fleming becomes a particularly intriguing option.

Should Philadelphia finally draft a homegrown talent? Someone who basically grew up in their own backyard, something fans have been clamoring for years? Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating prospect that is Rasheer Fleming.

Profile​

2024-25 Stats: 35 games, 31.3 minutes, 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.5 blocks, 53.1 FG%, 39 3P%, 74.3 FT%

Team: Saint Joseph

Year: Junior

Position: F

Height and Weight: 6’8.25” (without shoes) and 232.4 pounds

Born: July 10, 2004 (20 years old)

Hometown: Camden, New Jersey

Strengths​

At nearly 6-foot-9 with a wiry, athletic frame and an exceptional 7-5 wingspan, Fleming brings elite physical tools that project well at the next level. His size, length and fluid mobility allow him to slot in comfortably at either the power forward or small-ball center position — roles that demand versatility and adaptability in today’s NBA.

Defensively, Fleming is a standout. He combines his physical gifts with a high motor and relentless energy, making him a constant presence on the glass, in passing lanes, and as a rim protector. Averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.4 steals per game as a junior, he has proven himself as a disruptive force with excellent anticipation and instincts. His timing as a weak-side helper is advanced, and he excels at closing out on shooters without overcommitting or fouling. Thanks to his length and quick recovery speed, Fleming routinely erases mistakes and covers ground exceptionally well, allowing him to switch onto wings or contest shots in space with confidence. His defensive profile suggests he could eventually anchor small-ball lineups or operate in switch-heavy schemes at the professional level.

On the offensive end, Fleming’s development has been just as impressive — particularly as a shooter. After shooting just 32% from three as a freshman, he made a massive leap in efficiency and volume, converting 39.0% of his threes as a sophomore on 4.5 attempts per game, and knocking down 62 total triples — nearly doubling his output from the previous season. His shooting stroke is smooth, repeatable, and well-balanced, with mechanics that project well beyond the college arc. He’s comfortable popping off pick-and-rolls, trailing in transition, and spotting up in the corners, giving coaches flexibility to use him in a variety of floor-spacing roles.

Fleming also brings underrated value as a secondary playmaker. He has shown the ability to make quick reads and connect plays within the flow of the offense, demonstrating improved court vision and passing acumen. Combined with his rebounding prowess and ability to run the floor, Fleming becomes a valuable two-way contributor who fits seamlessly into the pace-and-space principles of the modern NBA.

Perhaps most notably, he plays with a competitive edge and relentless activity level that amplifies his impact. Whether he’s contesting shots, chasing down rebounds, or sprinting the floor in transition, Fleming never stops moving. That kind of motor, paired with his rapidly evolving skill set, gives him legitimate upside as a modern, stretch-forward with two-way potential.

Weaknesses​

While Rasheer Fleming’s physical tools and two-way upside are compelling, there are still several areas of his game that remain underdeveloped and will require refinement to succeed at the next level.

Offensively, shot creation remains a major question mark. Fleming struggles to generate looks for himself, both in the half-court and in isolation. His handle is relatively limited, and he lacks a go-to move — either in the post or off the dribble — that would allow him to exploit mismatches or punish slower defenders. As a result, he tends to rely heavily on guards to set him up, and his off-ball awareness can drift, particularly during stagnant possessions. His role, at least initially in the NBA, will likely be that of a complementary finisher and spacer, rather than a focal point of the offense.

Playmaking and decision-making are also areas of concern. Despite some flashes of passing feel, Fleming’s assist-to-turnover ratio (1.3 to 1.5) reflects ongoing issues with processing speed and control under pressure. He can force plays, telegraph passes, or lose his handle when swarmed by defenders — leading to empty possessions. In tight moments, his composure can waver, which limits his ability to be trusted as a secondary or tertiary creator.

Defensively, while his tools are elite, discipline and technique remain inconsistent. Fleming has a tendency to gamble on reach-ins or arrive late on contests, occasionally giving up unnecessary fouls or open looks. His lateral quickness, while solid for his size, is not yet at an elite level — raising questions about his ability to consistently stay in front of quicker, perimeter-based fours in the NBA. Without improved defensive footwork and base stability, especially when closing out or defending in space, he could struggle in high-level switch-heavy defensive schemes.

Another factor to consider is age and competition level. Fleming turns 21 just weeks after the draft — not old by any means, but slightly more experienced than some of the younger, one-and-done prospects projected in the same range. That age gap may slightly cap his perceived upside, especially when combined with the context of having played in the Atlantic 10, a mid-major conference. While his production was impressive, some scouts are cautious, wondering whether his numbers are inflated by the level of competition. These concerns are amplified by a stretch of quiet performances late in the season, when opposing defenses keyed in on him. The lack of consistent impact during that stretch has raised questions about fatigue, adaptability, and game-to-game motor.

Overall, Fleming is a promising and physically gifted prospect, but his game will need polish. Sharpening his ball-handling, decision-making under pressure, and defensive fundamentals will be key if he’s to fully realize his potential as a rotation-level forward — or more — in the NBA.

Potential Fit in Philly​

Fleming’s blend of length, defensive versatility, and emerging floor-spacing makes him an intriguing fit for the Philadelphia 76ers, particularly if the team is exploring trade-down (or up from round two) scenarios in the upcoming draft. With the Sixers prioritizing depth, two-way contributors, and long-term upside around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Fleming checks several boxes.

First and foremost, his defensive versatility aligns with head coach Nick Nurse’s aggressive, switch-heavy schemes. Nurse has consistently leaned on multi-positional defenders who can operate in space, protect the rim, and rotate with precision — traits that Fleming shows strong potential to develop. With his 7-5 wingspan and high motor, Fleming could become a disruptive force defending the 4 or small-ball 5, allowing the Sixers to deploy more flexible lineups without sacrificing rim protection or perimeter coverage.

On the offensive end, Fleming’s growing ability to space the floor fits seamlessly alongside Embiid, who benefits from playing next to stretch forwards that can keep defenders honest. His comfort trailing in transition, popping out of pick-and-rolls, or spotting up from the corners would give Maxey and Embiid more room to operate inside. And while he’s not a shot creator yet, the Sixers don’t need him to be — especially if he commits to playing within his role and continues to improve his shooting mechanics and off-ball movement.

Additionally, Philadelphia’s frontcourt rotation lacks a young, athletic forward with defensive upside who can grow into a long-term role. Guerschon Yabusele may be in line to take on significant minutes at the four, but he’s not necessarily a long-term solution. Rasheer Fleming’s versatility — with the ability to slide between both forward spots or even play as a small-ball five in up-tempo lineups — offers the Sixers a valuable developmental piece with real two-way potential.

There’s also a compelling local angle that could appeal to both fans and the organization. As a Camden native, Fleming literally grew up in the Sixers’ backyard. With fans and media long calling for the franchise to take a chance on homegrown talent, this would represent a full-circle moment — and a potential culture win. Drafting a local prospect with upside could energize the fanbase, especially if the team is building around a younger core moving forward.

That said, expectations should be managed. Fleming’s development will hinge on refining his handle, learning to make quicker reads, and maintaining defensive discipline, all areas that could benefit from time in the G League or in a low-usage bench role. But if given a clear developmental plan, support, and patience, Fleming has the tools to emerge as a valuable rotation player — and potentially more — in a playoff-caliber system.

In many ways, Fleming represents the kind of bet the Sixers haven’t often made in recent years: a toolsy, high-upside forward with the ability to grow into a two-way contributor over time. Given the current cap situation, the need to develop cost-controlled talent, and the desire to modernize their roster construction, Rasheer Fleming could be a smart long-term investment — especially if selected later in the first round after a strategic trade-down.

Draft Projection​

SB Nation mock draft: No. 29, Phoenix Suns

In this mock draft, the Phoenix Suns land Rasheer Fleming at the end of the first round — a pick that would represent excellent value. Fleming could contribute immediately with his rim protection and defensive activity, especially on a Suns roster that currently lacks a true interior presence. If they retain Kevin Durant, pairing him with Fleming would give Phoenix two long, rangy forwards capable of boosting their struggling defense and helping on the glass.

Projecting Fleming’s draft range remains tricky, as mock drafts have him slotted anywhere from the late lottery to the back end of the first round. Still, it feels safe to pencil him in as a first-round selection, given how well he checks the boxes most teams prioritize: switchability, rebounding, defense, floor-spacing, and motor. The only question now is which team will be the first to take a swing on the St. Joe’s standout.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/2025...s-rasheer-fleming-7-5-wingspan-st-joes-sixers